💫 AI and the Future of Work

Hello! 👋

It’s Thursday, 19^th December, and today we're diving into a topic that has dominated conversations all year: the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of work. The inception of Bold Efforts and Polynomial Studio was driven by the recognition that we are on the brink of a profound transformation in the way we work, propelled by rapid advancements in AI.

While the narrative around AI continues to evolve, I am eager to share insights into the current landscape and future prospects of work in the age of AI. First time reading? Join over 300 intellectually curious readers. Sign up here. ✌️ 

As always, send me feedback at [email protected]. Let’s get started!

Key Idea: AI and the Future of Work

AI is no longer something that looms on the distant horizon. It’s here, it’s now, and it’s transforming the world of work faster than we can imagine. In the last year alone, we’ve seen AI take tasks off our plates, streamline workflows, and whisper actionable insights in our ears — turning what was once science fiction into everyday reality.

But let me be clear: AI isn’t replacing us. It’s enabling us. It’s the silent partner that tackles the mundane so we can focus on what truly matters: creating, connecting, and solving problems. As we stand on the brink of this massive shift, there’s never been a better time to lean into the changes AI is bringing to work.

We’re witnessing a dramatic shift in the workplace as AI reshapes every facet of how we work. This isn’t just evolution — it’s revolution. Here are eight powerful ways AI is redefining work and what it means for all of us as we head into 2025.

1. AI Takes Over Tasks, So Humans Focus on Impact

AI is at its best when it’s automating repetitive, low-value tasks. But what’s more exciting is how it enhances complex roles by taking over the grunt work so humans can focus on higher-value outcomes.

• Example: AI can draft 90% of a legal contract in seconds, freeing lawyers to negotiate strategy and close deals.

• Impact: McKinsey estimates AI-driven automation can boost productivity by 20-30% in industries like finance, healthcare, and law.

We’re not losing jobs—we’re evolving them.

2. AI Builds Workdays Around Your Productivity Peaks

Imagine a day where tasks align perfectly with your energy levels and focus. AI is already optimizing workflows, dynamically assigning tasks when you’re most productive.

• Morning people get critical thinking tasks first thing in the day. Creative night owls? Brainstorming sessions are scheduled after dark.

• Example: Tools like Clockwise and Motion are paving the way, creating 2x more focus time for workers.

It’s not just about working harder. It’s about working smarter—on your terms.

3. AI Becomes Your Personal Mentor and Coach

AI is more than a tool; it’s becoming a real-time coach. It makes live suggestions, points out improvements, and guides you while you work.

• Writers get instant content suggestions from Notion AI.

• Developers improve their code quality with GitHub Copilot.

• Sales teams receive AI-backed prompts during client calls to ask the right questions.

The result? Higher quality work, fewer mistakes, and faster growth.

4. Real-Time Feedback That Drives Growth

Annual reviews are so last century. AI delivers real-time performance feedback, turning every day into a learning opportunity.

• Personalized dashboards highlight strengths and areas for growth.

• AI identifies inefficiencies and recommends targeted training to upskill workers.

• Example: Gong’s AI tools analyze sales calls and offer tips to close deals faster—boosting conversion rates by 30%.

Growth isn’t just measured quarterly anymore—it happens in real time.

5. AI Turns Meetings Into Actionable Outcomes

AI-powered collaboration tools are transforming meetings from time-sinks into productivity powerhouses.

• AI automatically takes notes, summarizes discussions, and generates follow-up tasks.

• Example: Otter.ai captures meeting conversations and turns them into actionable summaries before you even hit “leave meeting.”

No more endless email chains. No more asking, “Who took notes?”

6. AI Empowers Leaders to Focus on People (Hopefully)

AI is handling managerial grunt work — think KPIs, task allocation, and scheduling — so leaders can should focus on being human-centric mentors.

• Managers will spend more time fostering growth, coaching talent, and building culture.

• Example: AI platforms like People.ai analyze team performance, freeing up managers to focus on individual development.

AI runs the systems. Leaders build the people.

7. AI Agents: Your Personal Digital Clones

AI agents are set to become autonomous teammates that handle entire tasks and workflows. These digital clones will manage the small but time-consuming jobs so you can focus on strategy and decision-making.

• AI agents will schedule meetings, respond to routine emails, and even purchase supplies on your behalf.

• Example: Autonomous AI agents like Auto-GPT are already testing workflows that manage projects end-to-end.

It’s like having a second version of yourself—but with perfect memory and zero procrastination.

8. AI will Revamp Recruitment

The recruitment process is fundamentally broken. Job seekers are frustrated. Recruiters are overwhelmed. Nobody is truly winning. But there’s hope — a better way to connect talent with opportunity is emerging. Imagine an AI-powered job search engine that accelerates candidate matching, refines filters, and saves millions of work hours. By 2025, this could be reality — maybe there is a founder working to make it happen? 😉 

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Future of Work That Works for Us

Here’s the thing about AI: it’s not coming to take your job. It’s coming to help you do it better. It’s the quiet assistant handling the drudgery while you focus on solving the big problems and creating things that matter. It’s a tool to unlock human potential, not limit it.

As we move toward 2025, those who embrace AI will find themselves not just surviving this transformation, but thriving in it. The most successful people and companies will be those who see AI not as competition, but as a collaborator.

So let’s look forward to a future where AI gives us back time, focus, and the ability to do our best work. A future where work is smarter, more human, and ultimately, more fulfilling.

Thank you for reading! How is AI transforming your work already? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts and share them in next week’s issue.

Until next time,
Kartik

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Curated Reads

Handpicked news, articles, and expert opinions - crafted just for you.

A. Global mental health crisis hits workplaces [Financial TImes]

About 12bn working days lost to depression and anxiety each year, costing global economy $1tn

B. 1 in 3 bosses admit they are pushing RTO because they’re so upset about wasting money on all those empty desks [Yahoo Finance]

It turns out that long inescapable office leases—rather than work output—might be the most powerful force in the return to office (RTO) push so many companies have been making or threatening to make.

C. Remote work is a game-changer for addressing burnout in workers [The Conversation]

A study published in Nature found that hybrid work is just as productive as in-person work, while also improving employees’ job satisfaction and contributing to them not quitting. These benefits were especially pronounced for women and those with long commutes.

D. What Is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work? [Harvard Business Review]

Advances in agentic AI bring us closer to an autonomous future, promising enhanced productivity, innovation, and insights for the workforce.

E. Work Amazon delays 5-day RTO for some workers because its offices aren’t all ready [Link]

You can’t make this stuff up! 😂